quarter sessions

American  

noun

Law.

1. an English court of general criminal jurisdiction for crimes less than homicide, held quarterly.

2. (in the U.S.) a court with limited criminal jurisdiction, having local administrative powers in some states.

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quarter sessions British  

noun

1. (in England and Wales, formerly) a criminal court held four times a year before justices of the peace or a recorder, empowered to try all but the most serious offences and to hear appeals from petty sessions. Replaced in 1972 by crown courts See also crown court Compare assizes

2. (in Scotland, formerly) a court held by justices of the peace four times a year, empowered to hear appeals from justice of the peace courts and to deal with some licensing matters: abolished in 1975

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Etymology

Origin of quarter sessions

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

Herefordshire was governed by a sheriff as early as the reign of Edward the Confessor, the shire-court meeting at Hereford where later the assizes and quarter sessions were also held.

From Project Gutenberg

It has one court of quarter sessions, and is divided into five petty sessional divisions.

From Project Gutenberg

It has one court of quarter sessions and 12 petty sessional divisions.

From Project Gutenberg

Chief Justice Belcher presided at the quarter sessions this summer, and gave a very loyal address to the Magistrates and public functionaries present; all Magistrates and town officers took the Oath of Allegiance.

From Project Gutenberg

It has one court of quarter sessions, and is divided into 14 petty sessional divisions.

From Project Gutenberg